Jet-Fuelled Toyota Hilux Conquers The Antarctic - News
28/03/2012
Longest expedition in polar exploration history, covering over 70,000 km in four months Three Hilux set new world record, each covering 9,500 km Prepared by Icelandic 4x4 conversion specialists Arctic Trucks to tackle the extreme terrain and weather conditions 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine and gearbox remain unchanged, demonstrating the Hilux's legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability Land Cruiser celebrates 60th anniversary with first trek to the South Pole The legendary Toyota Hilux, already renowned for its ability to overcome extreme challenges, started a new chapter in the history of polar exploration, covering over 70,000 km across one of the coldest and most hostile environments in the world.
The highlight of the Antarctic programme was a double trans-continental crossing, organised by Extreme World Races. A new world record was set by three Hilux vehicles, including two 6x6 versions, each covering 9,500 km. Totalling nearly 30,000 km this makes it the longest Antarctic journey ever.
From November 2011 to February 2012, a team using ten Toyota Hilux vehicles was charged with setting up a fuel depot, installing a weather station, and providing support to scientific expeditions and a ski race.
To face Antarctica's uniquely extreme driving conditions, with temperatures as low as -50°C, terrain altitudes of over 3,400 m and the most brutal driving environment imaginable, all vehicles were prepared by Icelandic 4x4 conversion specialists Arctic Trucks. Necessary modifications included the integration of a crane to lift heavy equipment, the use of Jet A-1 fuel to cope with the extreme cold, a 280-litre fuel tank (800-litres for 6x6 vehicles), revised suspension and drivetrain, crawler gears and extra large tyres with pressures as low as 2-3 psi (regular Hilux tyres have a pressure of 29 psi) giving a tyre surface area about 17 times larger than those found on standard tyres.
It is a testament to the Hilux's legendary Quality Durability and Reliability (QDR) that its 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine and the transmission remain entirely unchanged for the expeditions.
The Hilux performed outstandingly well throughout its 70,000 km challenge without technical failures.
Sold in over 135 countries and a global leader in the pick-up segment, the Hilux once again pushes the boundaries of extreme endurance driving.
A video of the Hilux's most recent polar exploration will soon be available on Toyota Europe's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/ToyotaEurope
Toyota Dominates Consumer Reports' Top 10 Picks
The
USA Today reported that Toyota is the first brand to earn half of the
top 10 spots in nearly a decade in Consumer Reports' 2012 Top Picks.
The redesigned Camry Hybrid and Highlander edged out the competition to
become Top Picks in the Family Sedan and Family SUV categories,
respectively. For the 11th time and ninth consecutive year, the Toyota
Prius earned the top spot in the Green Car category. Both records have
not been claimed by any other model in the history of the Top Picks.
RAV4 (Small SUV) and Sienna (Family Hauler) are best in their
categories.
"Every year, the competition grows tighter,"
according to Consumer Reports Automotive Editor Rik Paul. "In recent
years, as many as nine different brands have taken the top spots.
Combined with the improved Camry, Toyota's ability to maintain a
competitive lead among hybrids and SUVs is a big factor in its strong
presence on this year's list."
Consumer Reports' Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories, chosen from more than 275 vehicles.
Toyota Motor Corporation Vehicles Dominate J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study
Eight
Toyota Motor Corporation models captured segment awards in the 2012
J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance
equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many
as the runner-up nameplate.
The
study also found Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate and
tied for third place overall. Scion achieves its highest ever position
at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions.
Additional
examples of Toyota's commitment to the highest standards for quality,
safety, reliability and retained value include: Toyota and Lexus won 11 awards, more than half the 21 total awards in IntelliChoice.com's Best Overall Values of the Year.
Fifteen
Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 "Top Safety Picks" by
the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than any other
automaker. The 2012 Toyota and Scion models are: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius V, Sienna, Tundra, Venza, and Yaris; and Scion tC, xB, and xD.
The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Scion tC
earned five stars for Overall safety from the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible.
